After seven months of bitter argument that, in the eyes of most school board watchdogs, was over something of marginal importance, the Massapequa Board of Education finally established mission statements for its 1998-99 committees.

At their last board meeting last month, the school board argued once again over and finally adopted a resolution placed on the agenda dealing with procedures for advisory committees.

The move came after months of argument with little progress. Last August the board began the discussion. After three hours of argument and audience outrage, board trustee Mike DiDonato declared, "we're going nowhere."

Much of the debate at their last meeting put trustees Mike DiDonato, Ric Sorvillo, and board president Robert Thompson at odds with trustees Diane Krakoff and Christine Nottonson.

Nottonson was opposed to, as she said, allowing the committees to take the place of the elected board of education. Nottonson argued that the committees should have a more limited charge.

"I don't want to restrict anyone," said DiDonato. "I believe in a loose interpretation of the constitution."

"If the board is really afraid of the recommendations that a committee is going to make, then you might as well do away with the committees," said Thompson.

An amendment on the table to limit the charge that committees are given was subsequently defeated 3-2. Krakoff and Nottonson voting yes with Thompson, DiDonato and Sorvillo voting no.

Following this, in a 5-0 vote, the board established three standing committees; Budget/Finance, Buildings and Grounds and Student Advisory.

The charges for each committee are as follows: Review capital equipment expenditures included within the proposed annual budget, analyze and discuss budget expenditures providing the board of education with statistical comparisons and financial trends, suggest alternative methods of developing the budget that would provide a more efficient product, review budget practices/procedures for the purpose of proposing efficiencies and/or cost savings while improving or maintaining services, and explore alternative sources of revenue. Review expenditures for buildings and grounds repairs, renovations, maintenance and capital equipment expenditures and consider and recommend special programs and operating concepts for execution on a district-wide basis as well as contribute to the development of a master plan for each school. Review matters and engage in projects as determined by the board of education in consultation with the committee members and chairperson.